Senior Course 127's Regional Approaches Field Study: Italian Day

On Monday 28 September 2015, the NATO Defense College had the privilege to host Senior Course 127’s Regional Approaches Field Study starting in Italy. This is an important complement to the academic curriculum of the Senior Course, allowing Course Members to develop a strategic appreciation of major political, economic and security issues as seen from the national perspective of selected countries in the region. Indeed, the Field Studies programme is planned to consolidate and upgrade Course Members’ knowledge through briefings, lectures and question and answer sessions in the various capital cities visited, the focus being on national security, defence and foreign affairs policies.

The distinguished guests were welcomed by the NDC Commandant MGen Janusz Bojarski (POL F) and the Director of Management, BGen Salvatore Carta (ITA A); after meeting the NDC Leadership, they addressed SC 127 in the Maynard-Thorn Auditorium.

MinPlen Gianfranco INCARNATO (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) gave a very interesting presentation entitled “Defence and Security in Italian foreign policy”. He started with a short historical overview, pointing out that ‘Atlanticism’ (NATO alliance) and ‘Europeanism’ (the building of the EU) were the “two polar stars of Italian Foreign Policy”. Actually, Italian foreign affairs policies have endorsed multilateralism, especially with regards to NATO and the EU. According to public opinion, the organizations of which Italy is a member are still considered the best possible answer to address new challenges: the Euro-zone crisis, as well as the feeling of being on the losing side of globalization and migration.

The second briefing, entitled “Italian Defence Policy” was presented by BGen Silvano FRIGERIO, who discussed a number of issues including: general strategic planning, international cooperation and operations, arms control and counter-proliferation, and the Italian Defence “White Paper”. The last lecture was given by Mr Vincenzo DELICATO (Ministry of the Interior) on “Italian action in the context of international police cooperation” which is one of the ministry’s priorities, since it is the only international instrument available to tackle criminal activity.

Following the briefings, Course Members asked a number of challenging questions during Q&A. After this opening session on Italy, Course Members will visit several European capitals to enhance their knowledge on European defence and security issues.

Finally, SC 127’s ‘Italian Day’ ended with a visit to the Quirinal Palace – the official residence of the Italian President.